“Let the one among you who is guiltless be the first to throw a stone at her!”

John 8:1-11

REFLECTION FOR LENT

HEALING THE WOUNDED HEART

There is no point in being glib about forgiveness. Forgiveness is never easy. The memory of wrongs done to us seeps into our heart, producing a legacy of bitterness. This is what makes forgiveness so hard but also so necessary. It is precisely the heart that is wounded. Unless we forgive, the heart can't heal.

To forgive is, first and foremost, a duty we owe ourselves. We forgive for the sake of our own well-being. We forgive because we don't want to live with feelings of resentment and desire for revenge. We forgive in order to cleanse ourselves of these poisonous attitudes and states of mind, so we may be able to devote all our energies to loving, which is the only activity that befits a Christian.

One of the things that can motivate us to forgive is an appreciation of our own need of forgiveness. Jesus says that unless we forgive others God won't forgive us. The fault is not with God but with us. When we refuse to forgive we break down the bridge over which we ourselves must pass.

When we forgive, we ourselves are the main beneficiaries. But forgiveness also benefits the person who is forgiven. It sets the person free to walk in friendship with God and with the person he/she has offended.

We constantly fall short of complete forgiveness. Perhaps this is why Jesus tells us that we have to forgive seventy times seven. There is no moment when one is not in need of forgiveness nor any moment when one does not need to be forgiving.

Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting the wrong done to us. It means remembering and letting go. Forgiveness is one of the highest and most beautiful forms of love. It is a holy task. Only God can help us to accomplish it fully.

PRAYER GROUP

The contemplative prayer group will meet on Monday at 8.15pm in the Parochial House. Newcomers very welcome. This is an opportunity to experiment with a new form of prayer, especially if you find that your present methods are unsatisfactory.

PRAY FOR PRIESTS

This week we ask you to pray for:

Fr. Brendan McGinn, Deceased, 21 March
Fr. Dermot McGirr CC, The Three Patrons, 22 March
Fr. James McGlinchey, Retired, 23 March
Fr. Brian McGoldrick PP, Doneyloop, 24 March
Fr. Neil McGoldrick PP, Fahan, 25 March
Fr. Patrick McGoldrick CC, Moville, 26 March
Fr. James McGonagle PPVF, Culdaff, 27 March

DEATHS

We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of:

Mickey Joe Doherty, Lansdowne Park

May he rest in peace.

ANNIVERSARIES

Mae Logue, Francie Elliott

Daniel Devine, Joe McManus

Tony Porter, Bernie McBride

Betty Wilders, Johnny Mohan

Jim Duffy, Freddie Boyle

PARISH DRAW
The Draw for the month of March will take place on Thursday 25 March at 2.30pm in the parish office. We would ask that all promoters come to the parish office on Monday 22 March with their returns. This would help us greatly and we would appreciate your cooperation.

DERRY DIOCESAN SOCIETY
The 10.00am Mass on Tuesday 23 March will be offered up for all members of the Derry Diocesan Society.

CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE
An Easter Weekend Retreat from 8.00pm Friday 26 to Sunday 28 March. A quiet residential weekend, which will be a spiritual preparation for the feast of Easter, will be conducted by the Carmelite Fathers in Termonbacca, Carmelite Retreat Centre, Derry. All are welcome to attend. For further details and bookings telephone 71262512.

LENTEN PROGRAMME 2010

Masses:- Monday 7.00am 10.00am
Tuesday 7.00am 10.00am
Wednesday 7.00am 7.00pm
Thursday 7.00am 10.00am
Friday 7.00am 10.00am
Saturday 10.00am 6.30pm
Sunday 10.00am 12.00 noon

Stations of the Cross:- Wednesday 6.30pm and Friday 6.00pm

Eucharistic Healing Service:- Every Sunday during Lent at 6.00pm. This takes place before the Blessed Sacrament and we pray for the healing of hurts, wounds, depressions, traumas and difficulties of every kind, emotional or physical.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament:- This takes place all day in the Adoration Chapel (Oasis of Peace). The Adoration Chapel is situated at the back of the church.

Book of Petitions:- This book is situated near the Padre Pio statue and you are invited to write all your prayers and special requests in the book. These requests are remembered at all Masses in the church.

HOLY WEEK CEREMONIES 2010

REGIONAL PENITENTIAL SERVICE PALM SUNDAY 28 MARCH
5.00pm - 6.30pm (9 Priests will be in attendance)

PALM SUNDAY 28 MARCH
Solemn blessing of Palms at 6.30pm at Saturday Vigil Mass.
Masses at 10.00am and 12.00 noon with simple blessing of Palms at these Masses.
Penance Service 5.00pm - 6.30pm

MONDAY 29 MARCH
Masses 7.00am, 10.00am and 7.00pm (Stations of the Cross before Mass)
CONFESSIONS after the evening Mass

TUESDAY 30 MARCH
Masses 7.00am, 10.00am and 7.00pm (Stations of the Cross before Mass)
CONFESSIONS 6.30pm - 7.00pm and after Mass

WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH
Masses 7.00am, 10.00am and 7.00pm (Stations of the Cross before Mass)
CONFESSIONS 6.30pm - 7.00pm and after Mass.

NO CONFESSIONS DURING THE EASTER TRIDUUM
Confessions will end on Wednesday night of Holy Week

HOLY THURSDAY 1 APRIL
Mass of Chrism in St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry 10.00am
Childrens Mass 3.00pm
Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 6.30pm
Eucharistic Hour from 9.00pm - 10.00pm.

GOOD FRIDAY 2 APRIL
Morning Prayer of the Church 10.00am
Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3.00pm
Stations of the Cross 7.00pm

HOLY SATURDAY 3 APRIL
Morning Prayer of the Church 10.00am

VIGIL MASS OF THE RESURRECTION at 9.00pm

EASTER SUNDAY 4 APRIL
Masses 10.00am and 12.00noon

TAIZE PRAYER AND CHANT
Join us for an hour of meditative Taize Prayer and Chant on Wednesday 24 March in St. Colman’s Chapel, St. Mary's Church, Melmount at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome.

ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP
There will be a meeting of the Alzheimer’s Support Group on Wednesday 24 March at 7.30pm in Melmount Manor Care Home, 1 Orchard Road, Strabane. Guest speaker Angel Carson, Northern Ireland Energy Agency speaking on 'Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty'. Everyone welcome.

MILLENNIUM FORUM
The Priests with special guest Camilla Kerslake will perform in the Millennium Forum on Tuesday 15 June at 8.00pm. Tickets £19.50/£24.50/£29.50. Box office 02871264455.

VOICE AND SONG WORKSHOP
Tonicity: presents a morning of breathing exercises and group singing in St. Columb's Hall, Orchard Street, Derry on Saturday 27 March from 10.00am - 1.00pm. Price £20.00. Improving your Health One Song at a Time. No Talent Required! Contact Siobhan Heaney on 07743365971.

FOYLE HOSPICE
Foyle Hospice presents Borderland Reunion Night with music by Midnight Showband! Saturday 27 March in the City Hotel. Tickets £8.00 available from Foyle Hospice Fundraising Centre on 02871359888 or the City Hotel on 02871365800.

NOTICES FOR PARISH BULLETIN
In order to facilitate printing we ask that all notices and anniversaries for the parish bulletin are either given to the sacristan or left at the parish office by Wednesday morning at the latest.

PAYMENTS BY CHEQUE
The Bank have reminded us that all payments made to the parish by cheque (for Parish Draw, Sunday and Special Collections, etc.) must be made payable to Church of the Immaculate Conception.

PLEASE NOTE: All payments for St. Patrick's Hall should also be made payable to Church of the Immaculate Conception.

ST. PATRICK’S HALL

Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this Thursday.
All our patrons are very welcome.

LUCKY 4 DRAW
There were 4 match 3 winners in last week's Draw

Mary Foley
Gerald Flanagan
John Madden
Stefan Hoynes

The numbers drawn were:

1, 4, 8, 12

Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £2275.00

N.I. BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE
A team from the N.I. Blood Transfusion Service will be in St. Patrick's Hall on Wednesday 24 March from 1.30pm - 4.00pm and 5.15pm - 8.00pm. The Blood Transfusion Service would appeal for the support of all existing blood donors and welcome new donors.

CHARITY THEME NIGHT
Enjoy music from the '60's, '70's and '80's in St. Patrick's Hall on Saturday 27 March. Admission £5.00 or €6.00. Doors open at 10.00pm. All proceeds in aid of Sperrin Room, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry.

ACRYLIC PAINTING
Discover the joy of acrylic painting in St. Patrick's Hall. Instruction by trained artist, Martin McGrinder. Starting Wednesday 24 March from 7.30pm - 9.30pm.
Course will run for 8 weeks. Course fee £65.00. Everyone welcome. Call Martin on 02881648924.

ST. PATRICK'S LUNCHEON CLUB
St. Patrick's Luncheon Club are having a Social/Dance on Monday 29 March in St. Patrick's Hall. Music is by Dusty Trail. Doors open at 9.00pm. Admission £5.00/€6.00 (includes a light supper). Everyone welcome.

KEEP WARM KEEP WELL
Keep Warm Keep Well events are designed to promote fuel or thermal efficiency and to assist residents to maintain good personal health and well-being during the winter months. There will be an Information and Advice Workshop in St. Patrick's Hall on Monday 22 March from 11.00am - 1.00pm. Lunch provided.

PRAYER CORNER

YOU ARE A CHILD OF CREATION
You are a child of Creation,
A reflection of God.
No one can steal your beauty,
Or reduce your worth,
Unless you let them.
Don't let them.
You are a miracle of God's love,
You are a miracle,
Never look at yourself and see anything less.
Your life is not a random stroke of chance,
You are part of a Sovereign plan,
Loved into existence for eternity.
Let the fire in your soul
Live and love, laugh and leap with joy.
And for the short time you walk upon this earth,
Always remember
YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.